off-topic What’s a movie or book that completely changed your perspective on life, and why?

[Pete Griffin]

I’ve been thinking about how certain books or movies can completely shift the way we see the world, and I wanted to hear about ones that had a big impact on you.

For me, it was Wonderland Avenue by Danny Sugerman. It’s a wild memoir about his life in the LA rock scene, but what really stuck with me was his exploration of relationships - especially with his father and his surrogate father figure, Jim Morrison. The way Sugerman writes about searching for identity, belonging, and meaning in the chaos of his life really made me reflect on my own relationships and how they shape who I am.

What about you? Is there a book or movie that changed your perspective on life? Maybe it made you see the world differently, helped you through a tough time, or just left you thinking about it for weeks after. I’d love to hear your stories!

 

[Shawn]

To Kill a Mockingbird really opened up my eyes on how black people were treated during those times.

I grew up in a very racist area. While I never really catered to it or took a racist stance, I never really cared about any of it or was dumbfoundedly blind by it. I read that book, and it made me cry to be honest. I was maybe 14 or so.

I don't care for racism.

We all have the same skin, bones, blood, and guts. We're all the same, period. If you're racist against a human being, you're racist against yourself because you're no different than them. Born the same, die the same.

 

[lens]

I have read so many books that has great impact in my life and even movies, but the one I remembered now is Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It really shifted my view on spirituality and trust in my heart. It really resonated with me and I don't seem to forget about it which I wouldn't in my lifetime.

 

[Pete Griffin]

Similar to Shawn, Man's Search For Meaning was a haunting and impactive read.

"A prominent Viennese psychiatrist before the war, Viktor Frankl was uniquely able to observe the way that both he and others in Auschwitz coped (or didn't) with the experience. He noticed that it was the men who comforted others and who gave away their last piece of bread who survived the longest - and who offered proof that everything can be taken away from us except the ability to choose our attitude in any given set of circumstances. The sort of person the concentration camp prisoner became was the result of an inner decision and not of camp influences alone. Frankl came to believe man's deepest desire is to search for meaning and purpose. This outstanding work offers us all a way to transcend suffering and find significance in the art of living."
An exceptional insight into human suffering and the strength of human spirit.

Amazon.co.uk

 

[Yama]

Bhagavata Gita!
I read this book when I was 16 and I still read it sometimes. It is a small book that can be read in less than 60 minutes but it contain profound wisdom. It will teach you how to live a life.